Historical Background:Gallabat-Metemma was Britain's first land offensive of the East Africa campaign. On November 6th, 1940 Brigadier J.W. Slim led the British assault. Under his command were; the 10th Indian Brigade, 12 tanks from the 4th Royal Tank Regiment and some equipment from the Royal Artillery Regiment.

The Italian forces of the 4th Colonial Brigade were deployed in a mud and stone fort on the hill at Gallabat. To the east of the Boundary Khor (a deep dry watercourse) the 77th and 25th Colonial Battalions and 6 mountain guns were stationed in Metemma.

The Royal Artillery laid down a fierce barrage on the fort supported by the tanks. Stiff opposition from the Italians in the fort was finally overcome and the position fell. The 77th and 25th battalions then counter-attacked but were thrown back.

Before Slim's forces could regroup for the push on Metemma, they were hit from both the air and by the Italian mountain guns. On the ground the British were superior to their Italian enemy, but after an initial British air strike, swarms of Axis fighters and bombers took control of the sky for the Italians.

The British fell back which ended the offensive.

The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.

Briefing:Axis Player: Take 4 Command cards.

Allied Player: Take 4 Command cards.You move first.

Conditions of Victory:4 Medals

Special Rules:The Allied Special Force tank unit has 4 figures. Place an Allied Special Force Badge in the same hex with this unit to distinguish it from the other tank unit.

The Boundary Khor, although a dry river, has the same terrain effects as a river.